Pope Leo XIV calls for defending peace in the face of derision

Published at: 26/12/2025 03:39 PM

Pope Leo XIV warned that those who promote peace in the world are often subject to derision and accusations, while reiterating the need to keep hope alive in a context of global uncertainty.

During the Angelus celebrated this Friday, on the feast of Saint Stephen, the bishop of Rome stressed that voices that are committed to reconciliation are often marginalized from public debate and accused of favoring opponents. Before the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, he stressed that true joy comes when service to the poor comes first and fear is overcome with gestures of peace.

The pontiff recalled that peace is not built in ideal settings, but is born amidst ruins and suffering, as he said during the Christmas mass celebrated in the Vatican Basilica. “Peace begins when the pain of others touches us and destroys our certainties,” he said.

In his Christmas message, delivered before imparting the Urbi et Orbi blessing, Leo XIV urged humanity to reject hatred and violence and to assume the responsibility of seeking reconciliation through dialogue. “Every person has a role in building peace,” he insisted, calling for collective commitment to end the conflicts that persist in various regions of the planet.

Mazo News Team